Cane Financial

06/10/2026

Did you know lenders may consider your credit card limit, not just the amount you currently owe?

A card with a high unused limit can still affect how a lender assesses your borrowing capacity.

If you're preparing to apply for a home loan, reviewing unused cards and unnecessary limits can be a worthwhile part of getting mortgage-ready.

30/09/2026

You might be earning the same income as you were six months ago, but that doesn’t necessarily mean you can borrow the same amount. Understanding your borrowing capacity is an important step before you start your home-buying journey.

Your borrowing capacity is influenced by a range of factors, and it can change over time, even if your income hasn’t. Interest rate fluctuations, regulatory settings, credit card limits, living expenses, existing debts, and lender policies can all affect how much a lender may be willing to lend you.

If you’re planning to buy, refinance or invest, it’s worth understanding where you stand before you start making property plans.

Here are some of the key factors that could affect your borrowing capacity.

Understanding your borrowing capacity is an important step before you start your home-buying journe

29/09/2026

For the fourth time this year, the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) has raised the cash rate, increasing it by 0.25 percentage points to 4.6%. Today’s increase adds further pressure to household budgets already stretched by higher living costs.

So far, the typically busy spring property selling season has been largely subdued. Buyers have been holding back even as prices fall, with fewer new listings, a fear of overpaying, and a lack of urgency keeping some people on the sidelines.

Australia’s housing market is expected to continue to experience a downward price trend for the remainder of 2026, driven by rising interest rates, affordability constraints, and changes to negative gearing. Property prices have dropped for five consecutive months, and overall the value of Australia’s property market fell $34 billion in the June quarter.

If you’re looking to make the most of falling property prices, get in touch to discuss your finance options.

The next cash rate decision will be announced on 3 November.

Need help understanding what this announcement means for you? Contact us today.

31/08/2026

Spring property market: Be prepared before you start looking

With more listings often coming onto the market in spring, now is a good time to get your finances in order so you're ready to act when the right property becomes available.

27/08/2026

It was great to attend today's Connective Elite Broker Quarterly Roundtable, an intimate session where we heard from Mark Haron, Executive Director of Connective and shared insights and challenges with like-minded peers.

26/08/2026

How much should you keep as a financial buffer?

Buying a property is exciting, but it's just as important to set aside savings for unexpected expenses after settlement.

25/08/2026

This week, 60 Seconds with Craig comes from Emajin Golf at Milsons Point, where I caught up with Sam Crichton, who looks after new business, from individual memberships through to corporate partnerships.

Sam is also a long-time golfer and has been a member of Concord Golf Club for almost 20 years. Although with a wife and two young children at home, finding time to actually get out on the course isn't quite as easy these days!

I did see Sam play recently and can confirm he can seriously hit a golf ball – around 300 yards.

Great to learn more about Sam and the networking and business opportunities Emajin Golf brings together.

Thanks for joining me for 60 Seconds with Craig, Sam.

24/08/2026

Few decisions have a bigger impact on your financial future than buying a property. Whether it’s your first home, your next home or an investment property, getting the finance right can make a significant difference for years to come.

So why are more Australians choosing to work with a mortgage broker when making such an important financial decision? Broker market share has grown from 55% to 81% in just eight years, reflecting a growing preference for personalised guidance and support throughout the home loan journey.

For many borrowers, having someone to help compare options, explain the fine print and advocate on their behalf provides confidence during what can otherwise be a complex process.

Let’s take a look at some of the reasons mortgage brokers continue to grow in popularity.

Why more than 8 in 10 borrowers are choosing mortgage brokers Let’s take a look at some of the reasons mortgage brokers continue to grow in popularity.

21/08/2026

Should you refinance if rates haven't changed?

Refinancing isn't always about chasing a lower interest rate. It can also be an opportunity to review your loan features, consolidate debt or make sure your finance still suits your goals.

19/08/2026

𝐏𝐫𝐞-𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐯𝐚𝐥 𝐯𝐬 𝐛𝐨𝐫𝐫𝐨𝐰𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐜𝐚𝐩𝐚𝐜𝐢𝐭𝐲

Many people use these terms interchangeably, but they're not the same thing.
Your borrowing capacity is an estimate of how much a lender may be prepared to lend based on your income, expenses, debts and financial position.

Pre-approval is the next step. It's a conditional assessment by a lender that indicates how much they may be willing to lend, subject to final checks and the property you choose.

Understanding the difference can help you buy with greater confidence and be better prepared when the right property comes along.